I couldn't think of a way to title this thread so hopefully it wasnt too vague....
For the past couple of seasons we have been using a mixture of plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. These pieces all live in the camper and I prefer these durable items rather than plastic/paper simply b/c I dont want to have to worry about keeping an on the quantity after each use. Nor do I want to have to remember to pack it all for each trip. However I've noticed that I'm not a fan of the items we currently have...here is how it breaks down.
1. Plates, mugs, bowls: we have the classic Granite Ware type set like this [a href="http://amzn.to/1OVGiOD"]Granite Ware Set[/a]
My issue with these is they were never a quality item to start with. Honestly they were hand-me-downs from my childhood and probably came from Walmart so the fact that they lasted this long is amazing. Now the issue I have with them, is that the enamel coating never seems to be durable and in the end they start to chip and rust. Not to mention the lip of the mugs is uncomfortable with a bit of a sharp edge. All of these issues can be overlooked in the short term, but I am getting to the point where I want to start upgrading to quality items so I dont have to think twice about it.
2. Cups: beyond what we have with the mugs from the enamel set, we also have a set of plastic cups. I think they are tupperware or something of that sort. I like these cups because they are tall and skinny and they nest easily. In the end they take up very little space. I like these for their durability and space savings, but they have one major detractor as far as I'm concerned. They absorb and/or develop odors and tastes. It seems like no matter what they always have a smell from being left in storage (even when stored in a dry location).
3. Utensils: As of right now we use heavy duty plastic utensils for daily meals (cooking utensils are all stainless steel). These work but they feel more like the utensils you give to a toddler. They also fall victim to the same issue as the plastic cups. They can develop a taste/smell, but its nowhere near as noticable. I'm guessing since they are smaller, and they dont impact the sense of smell as much, they must not be as noticeable. Oh and the plastic seems to hold onto grease like a magnet. If I'm not mistaken, this is due to fat and plastic having very similar chemical compositions, but dont quote me on that.
So now here is my quandary...what should I start looking at as replacements?????
My requirements:
1. Durability, I want the items to have a long life while in use and in storage
2. Must be able to be stored without absorbing flavors or smells
3. Ease of cleanliness, I'd like something that can be washed without much trouble.
4. Price, I dont mind spending for quality but I also dont want to drop an arm and a leg on the items either.
Right now I'm leaning towards stainless steel type products but I havent made any final call.
So what do you think? What have you found that works well?
-Sean
We faced a similar situation with a hodgepodge of kitchen stuff we've "collected" for years. For our new Camplite last year we splurged on new tableware. We found just what we wanted in a boating supplies catalog, Galleyware, with a variety of designs. This is the one we chose:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S9S9UME?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
It's all nicely sized for the camper and has cool sticky rings on the bottoms so it doesn't slip all over tables/counters.
For spoons/forks/knives, we went to Bed Bath and Beyond and picked out a new set of stainless with a pattern we liked.
Almost all of our "daily" plates/bowls/silverware came from the dollar store. Melmac is durable, we don't have a dishwasher on board, and we don't microwave it. If it breaks...it was a dollar and easily replaced.
We also have a 2 cup pyrex measuring cup that we can microwave and a corningware casserole dish that came from Goodwill. The most expensive items are either the 3-pack of non-stick frying pans from Costco, or maybe the pair of 20oz. plastic Stanley mugs, which I think may sadly be discontinued items. We make boiling water in a plastic electric kettle which was $15 or less item.
I have a single glass highball glass for whiskey. We have some plastic tumblers for soft drinks that we got for free at a 1000 Trails campground.
Oh, and we have these clear plastic wine glasses, and champagne glasses. Unbreakable (we've tried), easy to clean, don't impart any plastic flavors.
All of this stays in the rig 100%, including over the winter.
Logistics of resupply is much easier now for us two versus when the kids were with us and consuming at will. We lean on paper plates inside of some highbrow wicker holders.
We have a mix of glass glasses, Tupperware glasses, cheap plastic glasses. When we drink wine, soda juice, coffee, tea or mixers it is in whatever glass, mug or container happens to fall out of the cabinet and still looks fairly clean. If last nights glass can be identified it is used.
Always boil water for coffee and tea in a SS kettle with an obnoxious whistle. Can't sleep through that thing! Melitta pour over for coffee.
Dead relatives have contributed most of our cook stuff and utencils. Goin' Hobo!
Here's what we wound up with. Stores very compact and can take beating and then some. The silverware is nice also.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009PUR86?keywords=coleman%20mess%20kit&qid=1449798787&ref_=sr_1_7&sr=8-7
[attachment id="1052" thumbnail="1"]Here's what I put together when I had my pop up, I still use it when I go tent camping.